Chiesa Armena di San Gregorio Illuminatore (Armenian Church of San Gregorio Illuminatore), Livorno

The Armenian Church of San Gregorio Illuminatore in Livorno once served as the Catholic church for the city's Armenian community, a group deeply involved in commerce since the 17th century. The church’s history is a reflection of the community’s perseverance, as it faced opposition from the Holy See, which viewed the church's construction with suspicion. Finally built in the early 18th century, thanks to the support of Ferdinando, son of Cosimo III de' Medici, and the work of renowned artist Giovan Battista Foggini, it stood as a symbol of Livorno's rich multicultural fabric.

The church's design was grand, featuring a Latin cross layout, a dome, and a facade that still stands today, although much of the original structure was lost during the Second World War. The remaining facade, adorned with sculptures by Andrea Vaccà, survives on Via della Madonna, serving as a reminder of the church's former splendor. Unfortunately, the church was heavily damaged by air raids and later fell victim to thefts and vandalism, leading to the demolition of most of the building after the war.

Today, only the portico and some relocated marbles remain. The church, now home to an intercultural center since 2008, reflects the enduring legacy of Livorno's Armenian community, even though much of the original art and architecture has been lost or displaced. The facade's sculptures of Faith, Charity, and San Gregorio, along with other scattered remnants, stand as testimony to the church's once vibrant role in Livorno’s religious and cultural history.